I hear you!! I am 31, had lost about 50 pounds for my wedding 2 years ago and have now gained 60+ back. It's frustrating!!

I can relate completely. Let me share something that I've found helpful - don't think about the way you used to look. Thinking, "I can't wait to get back to how I looked on vacation last year in Mexico!" (my own personal situation) may seem like a good motivator, but all it does is highlight that fact that, indeed, you DON'T look like that anymore. And that sentiment can be crushing. What we should do - focus on the now and take the proper steps to move forward in a healthy way. The past has a way of dragging us down, especially if we are at our lowest point and we look back at our former "ideal" lives. Keep moving forward = the key to success.

When you said "it was there when no one else was" that hit home for me. I am in that situation now single, alone, no friends, and struggling at work and depression. Food is my escape and its hard to break old habits but I'm trying to take small steps and don't beat yourself up. I find that I am worst on myself than any other person. Take small steps. That all you can do. You can't change overnight and stop back at the group often for support. This addiction is tough hang in there.

I totally understand. I used food from a young age to comfort myself...sad, happy, bored...... I have gained and lost hundreds of pounds over the years. The largest amount I lost was 55 pounds and have almost gained all of it back after several years. Now, I can't seem to lose a pound. I have a serious sugar addiction too. I have to remind myself every minute to hang in there.

I suggest that you listen to Tony Robbins "the body that you deserve"

I can relate, food is my current comfort. I have around 60lbs to lose as a result. It doesn't help that my spouse works out for his escape: He is in the best shape of his life and I continue to gain weight and look and feel terrible as a result.

We have not connected phyiscally in almost 7 years now, that is really hard and has added to my continued eating. I am sure the weight is part of the reason but it's also what makes me feel better. It is truly a vicious cycle.

As someone else said, I relate whole-heartedly to your comment that food was there to comfort you when no one else was. I have to say, having a body is sometimes both the worst and best thing in the world. Great when you feel pleasure, strength, relaxation~those feelings are irreplaceable! On the other hand, we all know the other sides as well, including not only tension, but lethargy as well.

One thing that sometimes works for me is to channel my feelings creatively and/or physically. Sometimes I write when I'm desperate. Sometimes I dance it out in my room and I LET myself not care that my four housemates can hear my music and me stomping all over the place. Sometimes I just go somewhere quiet and cry when it all gets to be too much. That release feels real, even if it's not a permanent solution.

I also think one of the things we need to be most aware of is the narrative (or narratives) bouncing around our heads at any given point in time. Are we beating ourselves up for a series of small mistakes we made earlier this morning? Over being unsure of something? Are we beating ourselves up over having emotional mood swings? What's the cause (however small)?

I'm trying to appreciate how sensitive I am to all of the small things, and the positive qualities it brings with it. For example, I am a much more empathetic person because of my sensitivity. I know how to listen. I tend to see beauty in the small things. I can see complexity. What positive qualities does your proclivity towards this addiction lend you?

Much love, hugs.